Flexible container with arcuate self-sealable spout

ABSTRACT

A fluid-dispensing container is provided which consists of a pair of relatively supple films joined in a face-to-face relationship by a peripheral seam. The seam defines a body and a generally arcuately-extending spout, the latter at least in part being delineated by correspondingly-curved seam elements which define substantially eccentric and divergent arcs. Distension of inner wall portions of the spout by contained fluid effects a seal across an intermediate portion of the spout. The seal is overcome at increased levels of internal pressure, to permit the fluid contents to discharge through the spout; upon reduction of the level of internal pressure, the sealing relationship may be reestablished.

United States Patent [1 1 Carlisle Apr. 22, 1975 FLEXIBLE CONTAINER WITHARCUATE SELF-SEALABLE SPOUT Richard S. Carlisle, Rye. NY.

American Can Company, Greenwich. Conn.

Filed: June 10, 1974 Appl. No.: 477,755 I Related U.S. Application DataInventor:

Assignee:

Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 231,288, March 2,

1972, Pat. No. 3.815.794.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 6/l974 Carlislc 222/49] PrimaryE.\'antinerStanley H. Tollberg Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Robert P. Auber;lra S. Dorman; George P. Ziehmer ABSTRACT A fluid-dispensing containeris provided which consists of a pair of relatively supple films joinedin a face-to-face relationship by a peripheral seam. The seam defines abody and a generally arcuatelyextending spout, the latter at least inpart being delineated by correspondingly-curved seam elements whichdefine substantially eccentric and divergent arcs. Distension of innerwall portions of the spout by contained fluid effects a seal across anintermediate portion of the spout. The seal is overcome at increasedlevels of internal pressure, to permit the fluid contents to, dischargethrough the spout; upon reduction of the level of internal pressure. thesealing relationship may be reestablished.

27 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PLTENTEBAPRZZHYS 3.878.977

sum 1 f 2 FLEXIBLE CONTAINER WITH ARCUATE SELF-SEALABLE SPOUT CROSSREFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is acontinuation-in-part of copending application Ser. No. 231,288, filed03/02/72, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 3,815,794.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The above-identified copcnding applicationdiscloses containers which are highly beneficially employed for thecontainment and dispensing of a wide variety of fluid products, andwhich have seals that are pressurereleasable and automaticallyself-restoring upon diminution of the internal pressure below a certainlevel. While the articles specifically described in the aforesaidapplication are highly useful and entirely satisfactory for numerousapplications, improvements in the manner of operation, the convenienceand advantage of use, and in the appearance thereof are, of course,desirable.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novelcontainer for fluids having means for forming a seal, which seal may bereleasable by internal pressure of relatively low magnitude, andfunctions smoothly and in a well-controlled manner.

A related object of the invention is to provide such a container whichmay be fabricated from films exhibiting a significant degree ofrigidity.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a container having aspout which is relatively short, but

in which the seal forms at a location spaced a considerable distanceinwardly from its discharge end, thus affording enhanced protectionagainst contamination and evaporation of the contents.

Still another object of the invention is to provide such a containerhaving a spout which is disposed for optimum convenience of use andsanitation.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a container whichis comfortable to use, pleasing in appearance, and stably supportablewith its discharge opening maintained away from contaminating surfaces.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE It has now been found that the foregoing andrelated objects of the present invention are readily attained in acontainer for fluids having a body and a spout extending generallyarcuately therefrom. The spout of the container has congruent opposedwalls of supple, imperforate material, and it is defined bylaterally-spaced seams which unite the walls and dispose them insubstantially face-to-face contact when the spout is empty. The seams,in turn, include first, correspondinglycurvcd seam elements definingsubstantially eccentric arcs which extend divergently, at least fromabout an intermediate portion of the spout, generally toward the body.The container is dimensioned and configured to provide means for forminga releasable seal across the intermediate portion of its spout, andfirst sections of the opposed walls lying between thecorrespondinglycurved seam elements are free of interconnection and areadapted to readily become distended by contained fluid. Such distensioncauses the first wall sections to converge into sealing abutment withone another with the center lines thereof forming, at points adjacentthe abutment therebetween, an angle of less than about 60. With thefirst sections so disposed, second sections of the opposed wallscoextend from the abutment with their center lines in general alignmentwith the center line of one of the first wall sections and at an angleto the center line of the other of the first wall sections, thusenabling sealing of the spout without need of auxiliary sealing means.

In preferred embodiments ofthe container, the spout is configured with acontinuous taper in the discharge direction, the seams defining thespout are of smoothly curvilinear configuration, and they are relativelynarrow (generally from about 0.02 to 0.1 inch wide) and are locatedsubstantially at the lateral edges of the spout. The are radii of thefirst seam elements should be from about A to 12 inches in length, andpreferably their length is in the range of about 1 to 6 inches. Mostdesirably, the first elements of the seams defining the spout extendfrom the intermediate portion thereof and, in sealing abutment, centerlines of the first wall sections preferably form an angle of about 15 to45, at points adjacent the abutment.

Generally, the container will be dimensioned and configured so as torender the seal across the spout releasable in response to internalpressure of a higher magnitude than that at which contained fluid willcause distension of the first wall sections, and consequent sealing ofthe spout. Preferably, the dimensions and configurations of thecontainer will be such as to cause the location of the abutment toproceed outwardly along the spout in response to progressively increasedlevels of internal pressure above the distension pressure, so as toultimately overcome the seal and thereby permit the fluid contents todischarge from the container. The distance over which the abutmentlocation moves may desirably be at least half the total length of thespout, and most desirably the container will be dimensioned andconfigured to render the seal selfrestoring upon diminution of thepressure below the aforesaid higher magnitude thereof. The containerwill normally include fluid contents and will be completely closed toprovide an integral package, and the spout may advantageously have afused closure portion adjacent its outer end, which portion is adaptedfor removal to provide a discharge opening or orifice.

In especially preferred embodiments of the invention, a container isprovided in which congruent opposed walls of supple, imperforatematerial are united, and disposed in face-to-face contact when thecontainer is empty, by at least one bond. The opposed congruent wallsprovide integral walls of a fluid-containing body, and of a spout whichextends generally arcuately therefrom, with the spout being defined bylaterallyspaced seams provided by the bond. The seams include first,correspondingly-curved seam elements defining substantially eccentricarcs which extend divergently, at least from about an intermediateportion of the spout, generally toward the body. The container isdimensioned and configured to provide means for forming a releasableseal across the spout at the intermediate portion thereof, and the seal,wall abutment and center line relationships are substantially asdescribed hereinabove.

The walls of the container will generally be comprised of a syntheticresinous thermoplastic material, with the bond being provided. as arelatively narrow heat seal located substantially at the edge of thecontainer. The walls may desirably comprise a laminate containing atleast two distinct materials, and in some instances one of the materialsmay desirably be selected from the group consisting of metal foils,paper and molecularly oriented plastics.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the body of the container mayhave, in a flat disposition. a generally rectilinear edge which extendsthereacross at a location remote from the spout, and which is of alength that is less than the width of the walls of the body at alocation spaced a short distance therefrom. By making intermediateportions of the body walls which lie between the rectilinear edge andthe spaced location narrower than the body walls at such location, thestability of support may be maximized. Thus, placing a container soconstructed in an upright position, with the rectilinear edge disposedthereunder on a support surface, causes the outer margins of theintermediate wall portions to tend to fold inwardly of the body; this,in turn, permits distension of the wall portions therebetween under theweight of the fluid contents, and thereby provides an extended base areafor stably supporting the container. Preferably, the intermediate wallportions of such a container are defined by generally slanting seamportions which extend outwardly from the ends of the rectilinear edge.Most desirably, the upper sections of the seam portions are convexlycurved to avoid relatively sharp corners thereat, which serves toenhance the level of stability of support for the container; preferably,the radius of curvature of such sections will be at least about one-halfinch in length.

In a specific embodiment of the invention, the body of the container hasan elongate configuration and provides means for supporting thecontainer on an underlying surface with its longitudinal axis extendinggenerally horizontally. The spout thereof is located adjacent one end ofthe body, and it is configured to extend in a generally upward directionfrom the body with the container so supported. Such a container isideally suited for the containment and dispensing of a pluralphaseliquid mixture.

In another specific embodiment of the invention, a container for fluidsis provided, having a body and a spout extending outwardly therefrom.The spout has congruent opposed walls of supple, imperforate materialsand is defined by laterally-spaced seams uniting the walls and disposingthem in substantially face-to-face contact when the spout is empty. Inaddition, the spout has a tapered channel leading to the outlet endthereof, which is defined by a generally rectilinear seam elementslanting from adjacent one edge of the spout toward the other edgethereof. The seams include first seam elements extending divergently, atleast from an intermediate portion of the spout, generally toward thebody, and the container is dimensioned and configured to provide meansfor forming a releasable seal across the spout at the intermediateportion thereof. First sections of the opposed walls between the firstscam elements are fre of interconnection, and are adapted to readilybecome distended by contained fluid. Such distension causes the firstwall sections to converge into sealing abutment with one another, withthe centerlines of the first wall sections adjacent the abutment formingan angle of less than about 90, and with opposing second sections ofsaid opposed walls coextending from the abutment with the center linesthereof in general alignment with the center line of one of the firstwall sections and at an angle to the center line of the other of thesaid first wall sections. As a result, the spout can be sealed withoutauxiliary sealing means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view ofafilled and sealed container embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a left end elevational view of the container of FIG. 1 with asmall portion of the tip removed to permit dispensing of the contents,and showing, in phatom line, a discharge position of the spout thereof;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of another end portion ofthe spout of the container of FIG. 1, taken along line 3-3 thereof anddrawn to an enlarged scale;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the spout of the container of FIG.1, taken along line 44 thereof and drawn to the scale of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view ofa second configuration of containersembodying the invention, in an unfilled condition;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the container of FIG. 5 in a filledcondition and seated in a stably supported disposition;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of another configuration of containersembodying the invention, with a portion broken away to expose thetwo-phase liquid mixture contained therewithin, and shown in a stablysupported disposition; and

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the container of FIG. 7, in aninverted position for dispensing of one of the components of the mixturecontained therewithin, and showing, in phantom line, an alternateinverted position in which the other of the components of the twophasemixture may be dispensed therefrom, spout portions being broken away toexpose the contents of the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT Turning now in detailto FIGS. 1-4 of the appended drawings, therein illustrated is acontainer embodying the present invention, which is especially suitedfor the containment and dispensing of wine or the other beverages,typically for direct consumption by the consumer. The container consistsof a pair of face-to-face, relatively supple films 10, which are joinedtogether by a relatively narrow marginal seam, generally designated bythe numeral 12, extending about the periphery thereof. The container iscomprised of a substantially oval body portion, generally designated bythe numeral 14, from which extends arcuately a spout, generallydesignated by the numeral 16; the juncture of the body 14 and spout 16may be regarded to reside approximately at the phantom line XX. As willbe noted, the inner portion of the spout 16 is defined by arcuate seamsections 13 and 13", which sections have radii R and R on eccentriccenters C and C", respectively. As a result, and because the centers C,C are disposed on the same side of the spout 16, it extends arcuately;it also has a continuous taper in the discharge direction.

As will also be noted, the tip of the spout 16 is provided with aV-shaped seal 18, which defines a more sharply tapered channel portionthereat. Although nicks, such as 20, may be provided on either side ofthe seal 18 to locate and facilitate severance, so as to produce anoptimum discharge opening, the V-shaped seal 18 permits the dimensionsof the opening to be varied throughout a fairly widerange, byappropriate selection of the point at which the sealed tip is severedfrom the spout 16. This, in turn, enables a degree of control of theflow characteristics of the fluid issuing from the container.

As is best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the opposed portions of the walls 10between the seam elements 13, 13 are distended by the hydraulic head ofthe container contents, with no external force being applied thereto.Due essentially to the configurations of the seam elements 13, 13", thedistended wall portions 10' converge at an angle a to form a sealingabutment at an intermediate location 22 of the spout 16. The end portion24 of the spout 16 is deflected or canted to one side of the medialplane between the walls 10, with the center line of one of the wallportions 10' being substantially linear (albeit with a slight convexcurvature), and with the center line of the other of the wall portions10 changing direction abruptly at the location 22 and projecting at anangle thereto. In addition to the canted attitude, the end portion 24also developes a slight transverse curvature or warp at and below thelocation 22, as illustrated by FIG. 4.

After removal of the tip portion of the spout 16, all or a portion ofthe contents of the container may be discharged by manually squeezingthe container at a location remote from the spout 16 to increase thelevel of internal pressure therewithin. The pressure increase is, ofcourse, transmitted to the intermediate location 22 of the spout 16,tending to straighten the end portion 24 and to distcnd the wallportions 10 thereat, thereby causing the abutment to proceed outwardlyalong the end portion 24. Ultimately,'the seal is overcome to effect adischarge of the contents 26 from the container; this is the conditiondepicted in phantom line in FIG. 2 of the drawings. As can be seen, thebody 14 has a number of puckers 28 thereabout, which form as aconsequence of filling the container. These puckers 28 are advantageousin that they promote inward folding of the seam portions thereat. andoutward movement of the adjacent wall portions, thus enabling stableseating ofthe container on its edge, at virtually any point about thebody 14.

Although the theory underlying the desirable manner of operation of thecontainers of the invention is not fully understood, it is believed thatthe configurations and relationships between the seams defining thespout portion and to a lesser extent, the characteristics of the wallportions thereat, enable distension to occur, generally in the absenceof applied external pressure, throughout only a limited, inner portionof the spout. Outwardly of the intermediate location described,distension does not initially occur, and the differences in the wallportion shapes which result produce both the canted attitude and alsothe transverse curvature of the spout end portion. In addition, thearcuate, eccentric, divergent relationships that exist between the seamelements inwardly of the intermediate location provides a gradualtransition zone, while also tending to limit the wall-to-wall angle a,previously referred to. These factors. in turn, permit the seal torelease at relatively low levels of internal pressure (generally createdby applied external force), and in a very smooth and wellcontrolledmanner. The spout taper is important in that it affords a secure sealwhich is readily established and released, and in generally requiring aconstant (albeit gentle) buildup of pressure to effect release, as isdesirable to avoid abrupt or gushing operation. Upon release of thepressure exerted on the container, the clastic memory of the wallmaterial (as affected by the film gage, the dimensions involved, etc.)will normally be capable of effecting an automatic reestablishment ofthe abutted relationship, and thereby a reclosure of the container.Because of the operational facility and control which the spoutconfiguration of these containers affords, will be appreciated thatfilms having a degree of rigidity, such as would be imparted by thepresence of paper, or oriented polymer, or a metal foil in a laminatedconstruction, may be employed in the fabrication thereof; these factorsalso permit the use of wider (and hence more rigid) seams, as may benecessary or desirable to prevent leakage or rupture of the container.

Turning now in detail to FIGS. 5 and 6 of the drawings, a second form ofcontainer embodying the present invention is illustrated in empty andfilled conditions, respectively. As in the case of the container ofFIGS. 1-4, this container is fabricated from a pair of face-toface films30 (only one of which is visible), which are joined together by acontinuous, narrow, peripheral seam, generally designated 32. Thecontainer has a substantially symmetrical body, generally designated bythe numeral 34, and a spout generally designated by the numeral 36,which extends generally arcuately to one side of the longitudinal axisof the body 34. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the walls 30 merge intosealing abutment at an intermediate location 38, spaced inwardly fromthe discharge end of the spout 36. It will be noted that the eccentric,arcuate seam elements 33, 33 of this container do not extend directlyfrom the intermediate location 38, but rather commence at points spacedslightly inwardly therefrom. If the advantages of the instant inventionare to be realized, such arcuate elements should commence at pointswhich are spaced no more than about two inches inwardly from thelocation at which the abutment seal initially forms (i.e., theintermediate location 38).

The seam 32 of the container of FIGS. 5 and 6 includes a rectilinearelement 40 which defines, relative to the spout 36, a remote edge of thecontainer. Elements 42 of the seam 32 extend upwardly and outwardly fromthe opposite ends of the element 40, and curve convexly to blend intothe other seam elements. This configuration of the seam 32 enhances thelevel of stability of the filled container seated in an uprightposition, as shown in FIG. 6, by promoting the inward folding of theseam elements 42 and the consequential outward movement of the portionsof the walls 30 lying therebetween, The curvature of the elements 42 isbeneficial in avoiding sharp corners which, upon deformation of thecontainer in its supported position, would tend to create pivot pointson which the container might rock. It will be appreciated that, inoperation, the container of FIGS. 5 and 6 functions essentially in thesame manner and with the same advantages as that which is described inthe preceding figures.

Turning finally to FIGS. 7 and 8 in detail, the container illustratedtherein is dimensioned and configured, as arethe containers of theforegoing figures, to provide an abutment seal, and it is especiallywell suited for the containment and dispensing of a pluralphase liquidmixture; for example, oil and vinegar. As in the previous embodiments,the container of FIGS. 7 and 8 is fabricated by joining in face-to-facerelationship a pair of relatively supple films (only one of which isvisible) by sealing them together about their common peripheral edge, toprovide thereat a narrow seam, generally designated by the numeral 52.The instant container has a elongate body, generally designated by thenumeral 54, and a spout, generally designated by the numeral 56,extending arcuately at one end thereof. The spout 56 is defined byarcuate seam elements 58, 58" which have relatively long radii andthereby provide a rather uniform and gently-tapered configuration. Italso has a generally rectilinear slant seam element 59, which extendsthereacross and defines an outwardly tapered channel 61. A small notch63 is formed in the wall 50 to facilitate severance across the spout 56at an optinum point; however, severance may desirably be effected at anypoint along the length of the seam element 59, and the ability to socontrol the nature of the resulting orifice is a principal benefit ofthe provision of such an element. In addition, the angular attitude ofthe element 59 may be relied upon to control the flow direction of thefluid issuing from the spout 56, and it can be produced easily and withrelatively little concern about critical registration with otherportions of the seam 52.

In addition, the seam 52 further includes a rectilinear element 60extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body 54 andaffording, as in the container of FIGS. and 6, enhanced stability ofseating upon a support surface. As can be seen in FIG. 7, when thecontainer is situated in its normally supported position, the spout 56extends in a generally upward direction, and is thereby maintained in anattitude of minimized potential contact upon unsanitary surfaces. As canalso be seen in FIG. 7, an abutment seal is formed across the spout 56at an intermediate location 62 thereof, and the container is filled witha two-phase mixture ofa relatively dense liquid 64 (such as vinegar) anda relatively light liquid 66 (such oil).

In FIG. 8, the container is disposed in a first inverted dispensingposition (shown in full line) permitting the lighter phase liquid 66 tobe discharged through the spout 56 under the influence of appliedpressure. Tilting the spout 56 to a more downwardly directed attitude(as shown in phantom line) causes the denser liquid 64 to be presentedto the orifice of the spout 56, and thereby to be discharged when forceis applied to the container. As will be appreciated, the configurationof the container illustrated is well suited for hand-held operation, andis very comfortable in such use; a selfclosing container is especiallydesirable in this application.

It will be evident from the foregoing that a common feature of thecontainers of the present invention is the spout which curves outwardlyand non-symmetrically from the body; it is that feature which is definedby reference herein to a spout which extends generally arcuately fromthe body, and to scam elements which are correspondingly curved". Asemployed herein,

the term eccentric is intended to have a broad connotation. Thus, truelyarcuate curved elements of the spout seam must not be concentric, sinceundesirable parallelism will thereby exist in the significant portion ofthe spout. On the other hand, curved seam elements of changing radiusmay have a common point of reference, and nevertheless be regarded toeccentric hereunder. In all instances, the centers of both arcs will bedisposed on one side of the spout and, while the are of greater radiuswill normally be the more external of the two, that is not necessarilythe case.

The relationships of the seam elements described affords, as a primaryadvantage, lower release pressures and smoother operation, as comparedto containers in which the spout is defined by seams which are otherwiserelated. For example, a spout defined by arcuate seam elements havingthe same length radii but being oppositely, rather than correspondingly,curved (i.e., in which the arc centers are disposed to opposite sides ofthe spout), may well function to provide a pressure releasablecontainer; however, the level of pressure necessary to effect suchrelease, and the measure of control thereover, will tend to beappreciably greater and lesser, respectively. While it is possible toachieve comparably gradual release at low pressures in a containerhaving a spout with oppositely-directed curved seam elements, the radiuslengths, and consequently the length of the spout, may be undulyextended in achieving such a result.

As pointed out, the containers of the invention function to produce aseal at an intermediate location of the spout, in response to theinternal force of the contained fluid. Thus, the fluid bears upon thewall sections of the inner end of the spout, distending them and causingtheir convergence into sealing abutment with one another. Normally, theseal will form in the absence of applied external pressure; in anyevent, it should form when the container, filled to at least percent ofits capacity, is inverted to bring the maximum hydraulic head to bearupon the spout. Because the location at which the abutment of the wallsections occurs will vary among different containers (and even amongthose having the same nominal construction), well as within a singlecontainer, depending upon the level of effective pressure brought tobear, it is not possible to accurately define the point at which theseal should be considered to exist; accordingly it is characterizedherein as being at an intermediate portion of the spout. While, as notedabove, the correspondingly-curved, divergently-extending seam elementsneed not commence at the intermediate spout location, optimal operationwill generally be achieved if those elements do extend at least to thepoint of abutment; indeed, in preferred embodiments they extend beyondthe abutment and, most desirably, they go all the way to the dischargeopening of the spout.

Due to the curvature of the wall sections at the point of abutment,measurement of the wall-to-wall angle therebetween is, of necessity,rather imprecise. Thus, although the angle of convergence is typicallyquite uniform in the area approaching the abutment, the angle betweenthe walls directly adjacent thereto tends to be appreciably greater.However, in terms of desirable operation of the seal, suchdirectly-adjacent portions of the walls may be ignored as a practicalmatter, and the angular relationships referred to herein are those whichexist at locations slightly inwardly of any such areas of relativelyabrupt convergence. Thus, the angles determined at a locationapproximately one fourth to one-half inch inwardly of the abutment willhave the values set forth herein. The angles involved are those whichexist between the center lines" of the wall sections, which phraserefers to the locus of midpoints between the seams defining thecorresponding passageway. In addition to the advantages previouslymentioned, maintaining the wall-to-wall angle below an upper limit 60,and preferably in the range of about to 45, has the added advantage ofavoiding permanent distortion in the films, which would tend to permitleakage from the container. Thus, by restricting the wall-to-wall anglethe risk of exceeding the elastic limits of the wall materials isminimized, with the result that no substantial amount of permanentdeformation occurs.

A primary benefit that results from the novel container constructionherein described is the ability to utilize, for the walls, films whichare supple and yet exhibit a degree of rigidity. One measure of thischaracteristic is the extent to which the film will yield under theinfluence of applied force, and it has been found that films which aresufficiently rigid to experience as little as one percent elongationunder the force of a 6 pound weight may satisfactorily be used in thefabrication containers which typify this invention. More particularly,the following structures were found to produce wellfunctioningcontainers embodying the invention: (1) polypropylene (3 mils)/aluminumfoil one-third mil)- Jpolyethylene terephthalate resin (one-half mil);(2)

uniaxiallyoriented nylon (three-fourths mil)/low density polyethylene (2mils); (3) medium density polyethylene (2 mils)/polyethyleneterephthalate resin (onehalf mil); and (4) SURLYN (ethylenc/carboxylicacid ionomer) (2 mils)/aluminum foil (one-third mil)/SUR- LYN (2 mils).Strips of the foregoing films (12 inches X 1 inch) subjected to theforce of a 6 pound weight, applied longitudinally and during a brieftime period, showed the following percentages of elongation,respectively: (l) 0.98%; (2) 7.8%; (3) 5.5% and (4) 5.9%. Exemplaryother films which are suitable for use herein include the followinglaminates: (5) polyethylene terephthalate resin (one-half mil )/mediumdensity polyethylene (2 mils); (6) polyethylene terephthalate resin(one-half mil)/adhesive (one-tenth mil)/polyethy- [ene-ethylene vinylacetate copolymer blend (2 mils); (7) polyethylene terephthalate resin(one-half mil)/low density polyethylene (one-half mil)/aluminum foil(one-third mil)/ethylene acrylic acid copolymer (twothirdsmil)lpolycthylene-ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer blend 1 /2 mils); (8)polypropylene (three-fourths mil)/low density polyethylene (one-halfmil)/aluminum foil (one-three mil)/polyvinyl chloride (onetenth mil)-/medium density polyethylene (2 mils); and (9) paper (one-fourthmil)/low density polyethylene (one-half mil)/aluminum foil (one-thirdmil)/low density polyethylene (2 mils). it should be appreciated that,as evidenced by the foregoing, the term films", as used herein, is givena rather broad definition, both in terms of the materials used and alsothe gauges thereof. Generally, the film thickness will be in the rangeof about /2 to mils, and preferably it will be about 2 to 7 mils.

The containers of the present invention may be fabricated in anysuitable manner, and appropriate techniques for doing so are disclosedin the identified copending application. In any event, it is importantthat the films be so disposed that, in the unfilled condition, they liein face-to-face contact with one another. Notwithstanding this, a slightamount of separation, such as may result ajacent the seams due to theeffects of heat sealing, may be tolerated, but such separation should beminimized to prevent channels through which leakage might occur. Asemployed herein, the term liquid is used in a broad sense to include notonly true liquids, but also other fluid materials, such as mixtures 10containing solid particles and/or gases. The intended contents of thecontainer will, to some extent, dictate the composition of the film usedin the fabrication, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Thus, it can be seen that the present invention provides a novelcontainer for fluids having means for forming a seal, which seal may bereleasable by internal pressure of relatively low magnitude. and whichfunctions smoothly and in a well-controlled manner. The container may befabricated from films exhibiting a degree of rigidity, and it may have arelatively short spout in which the seal forms at a location spaced .1considerable distance inwardly from its discharge end, thereby affordingenhanced protection. against contamination and evaporation of thecontents. The spout may be disposed for optimum convenience of use andsanitation. and the container may be constructed to afford comfortableuse, a pleasing appearance, and stability of support in an uprightdisposition.

Having thus described the invention, I claim:

1. A container for fluids having a body and a spout extending generallyarcuately from said body, said spout having congruent opposed walls ofsupple, imperforatc material and being defined by laterally-spaced seamsuniting said walls and disposing them in substantially face-to-facecontact when said spout is empty, said seams including first,correspondingly-curved seam elements defining substantially eccentricarcs which extend divergently, at least from about an intermediateportion of the spout, generally toward said body, said container beingdimensioned and configured to provide means for forming a releasableseal across said spout at said intermediate portion thereof, firstsections of said opposed walls between said first seam elements beingfree of interconnection and being adapted to readily become distended bycontained fluid, such distension causing said first wall sections toconverge into scaling abutment with one another, with the center linesof said first wall sections adjacent said abutment forming an angle ofless than about 60, and with second sections of said opposed wallscoextending from said abutment with the center lines thereof in generalalignment with the center line of one of said first wall sections and atan angle to the center line of the other of said first wall sections,whereby said spout can be sealed without auxiliary means.

2. The container of claim 1 wlherein said spout is configured with acontinuous taper in the direction of discharge of contained fluidtherefrom.

3. The container of claim 2 wherein said seams defining said spout areof smoothly curvilinear configuratron.

4. The container of claim 3 wherein said curvilinear seams are about0.02 to 0.1 inch in width and are located substantially at the lateraledges of said spout.

5. The container of claim 1 wherein the are radii of said first seamelements are from about /1. to 12 inches in length.

6. The container of claim 5 wherein said are radii are from about 1 to 6inches in length.

7. The container of claim 5 wherein said first seam elements extend fromsaid intermediate portion of said spout.

8. The container of claim 1 wherein said first wall sections adjacentsaid abutment form an angle of from about 15 to 45.

9. The container of claim 1 wherein said dimensions and configurationsthereof render said seal releasable in response to internal pressure ofa higher magnitude than the seal-forming distension pressure of suchcontained fluid.

10. The container of claim 9 wherein said dimensions and configurationthereof cause the location of said abutment to proceed outwardly alongsaid spout in response to progressively increased levels of internalpressure above said distension pressure, to ultimately overcome the sealand to thereby permit fluid contents to discharge from said container.

11. The container of claim 10 wherein said abutment location moves overa distance which is at least about half of the total length of saidspout.

12. The container of claim 9 wherein said dimensions and configurationthereof render said seal self-restoring upon diminution of the internalpressure below said higher magnitude thereof.

13. The container of claim 1 wherein said container additionallyincludes fluid contents therewithin and is completely closed, to therebyprovide an integral package.

l4. The container of claim 13 wherein said spout has a fused closureportion adjacent its outer end, said closure portion being removable toprovide a discharge opening for said spout.

15. A container having congruant opposed walls of supple. imperforatematerial having at least one bond uniting said walls and disposing themin face-to-face contact when said container is empty, said opposedcongruant walls providing integral walls of a body for containing fluidsand of a spout extending generaliy arcuately from said body, said spoutbeing defined by laterally-spaced seams provided by said bond andincluding first, correspondingly curved seam elements definingsubstantially eccentric arcs which extend divergently. at least fromabout an intermediate portion of said spout, generally towards saidbody, said container being dimensioned and configured to provide meansfor forming a releasable seal across said spout at said intermediateportion thereof, first sections of said opposed walls between said firstseam elements being free of interconnection and being adapted to readilybecome distended by contained fluid, such distension causing said firstwall sections to converge into sealing abutment with one another, withthe center lines of said first wall sections adjacent said abutmentforming an angle of less than about 60, and with second sections of saidopposed walls coextending from said abutment, with the center linesthereof in general alignment with the center line with one of said firstwall sections and at an angle to the center line of the other of saidfirst wall sections, whereby said spout can be sealed without auxiliarysealing means.

16. The container of claim 15 wherein said walls are comprised ofsynthetic resinous thermoplastic material.

17. The container of claim 16 wherein said bond is a relatively narrowheat seal located substantially at the edge of said container.

18. The container of claim 16 wherein each of said walls comprises alaminate containing at least two distinct materials.

19. The container of claim 18 wherein at least one of said materials isselected from the group consisting of metal foils, paper and molecularlyoriented plastics.

20. The container of claim 15 wherein said body has, in a flatdisposition, a generally rectilinear edge extending thereacross at alocation remote from said spout, said edge being of a length that isless than the width of said walls of said body at a location spaced ashort distance therefrom, intermediate portions of said body walls lyingbetween said edge and said location being narrower than said body wallsat said location so that, when said container is placed in an uprightposition with said edge disposed thereunder on a support surface, theouter margins of said intermediate wall portions tend to fold inwardlyof said body, in turn permiting distension of said wall portionstherebetween under the weight of fluid contents, thereby providing anextended base area for supporting said container in a relatively stable,upright position.

21. The container of claim 20 wherein said intermediate wall portionsare defined by generally slanting seam portions extending outwardly fromthe ends of said rectilinear edge.

22. The container of claim 21 wherein the upper sections of said seamportions are convexly curved to avoid relatively sharp corners thereat,thereby enhancing the level of stability of support for said container.

23. The container of claim 15 wherein said body is of elongateconfiguration, and wherein said spout is located adjacent one endthereof.

24. The container of claim 23 wherein said body is configured to providemeans for supporting said container on an underlying surface with thelongitudinal axis of said body extending generally horizontally, saidspout being configured to extend in a generally upward direction fromsaid body with said container so supported.

25. The container of claim 24 additionally including a plural-phaseliquid mixture contained therewithin.

26. The container of claim 15 wherein said spout has a tapered channelleading to the outlet orifice thereof, said channel being defined by agenerally rectilinear seam element slanting from adjacent one edge ofsaid spout toward the other edge thereof.

27. A container for fluids having a body and a spout extending outwardlyfrom said body, said spout having congruent opposed walls of supple,imperforate material and being defined by laterally-spaced seams unitingsaid walls and disposing them in substantially face-toface contact whensaid spout is empty, said seams including first seam elements extendingdivergently, at least from an intermediate portion of the spout,generally toward said body, said container being dimensioned andconfigured to provide means for forming a releasable seal across saidspout at said intermediate portion thereof, first sections of saidopposed walls between said first seam elements being free of interconnection and being adapted to readily become distended by containedfluid, such distension causing said first wall sections to converge intosealing abutment with one another, with the centerlines of said firstwall sections adjacent said abutment forming an angle of less than aboutand with opposing second sections of said opposed walls coextending fromsaid abutment with the center lines thereof in general alignment withthe center line of one of said first wall sections and at an angle tothe center line of the other of said first wall sections, whereby saidspout can be sealed without auxiliary sealing means, said spout having atapered channel leading to the outlet end thereof, said channel be ngdefined by a generally rectilinear seam element slanting from adjacentone edge of said spout toward the other edge thereof.

1. A container for fluids having a body and a spout extending generallyarcuately from said body, said spout having congruent opposed walls ofsupple, imperforate material and being defined by laterally-spaced seamsuniting said walls and disposing them in substantially face-to-facecontact when said spout is empty, said seams including first,correspondingly-curved seam elements defining substantially eccentricarcs which extend divergently, at least from about an intermediateportion of the spout, generally toward said body, said container beingdimensioned and configured to provide means for forming a releasableseal across said spout at said intermediate portion thereof, firstsections of said opposed walls between said first seam elements beingfree of interconnection and being adapted to readily become distended bycontained fluid, such distension causing said first wall sections toconverge into sealing abutment with one another, with the center linesof said first wall sections adjacent said abutment forming an angle ofless than about 60and with second sections of said opposed wallscoextending from said abutment with the center lines thereof in generalalignment with the center line of one of said first wall sections and atan angle to the center line of the other of said first wall sections,whereby said spout can be sealed without auxiliary means.
 1. A containerfor fluids having a body and a spout extending generally arcuately fromsaid body, said spout having congruent opposed walls of supple,imperforate material and being defined by laterally-spaced seams unitingsaid walls and disposing them in substantially face-to-face contact whensaid spout is empty, said seams including first, correspondingly-curvedseam elements defining substantially eccentric arcs which extenddivergently, at least from about an intermediate portion of the spout,generally toward said body, said container being dimensioned andconfigured to provide means for forming a releasable seal across saidspout at said intermediate portion thereof, first sections of saidopposed walls between said first seam elements being free ofinterconnection and being adapted to readily become distended bycontained fluid, such distension causing said first wall sections toconverge into sealing abutment with one another, with the center linesof said first wall sections adjacent said abutment forming an angle ofless than about 60and with second sections of said opposed wallscoextending from said abutment with the center lines thereof in generalalignment with the center line of one of said first wall sections and atan angle to the center line of the other of said first wall sections,whereby said spout can be sealed without auxiliary means.
 2. Thecontainer of claim 1 wherein said spout is configured with a continuoustaper in the direction of discharge of contained fluid therefrom.
 3. Thecontainer of claim 2 wherein said seams defining said spout are ofsmoothly curvilinear configuration.
 4. The container of claim 3 whereinsaid curvilinear seams are about 0.02 to 0.1 inch in width and arelocated substantially at the lateral edges of said spout.
 5. Thecontainer of claim 1 wherein the arc radii of said first seam elementsare from about 1/4 to 12 inches in length.
 6. The container of claim 5wherein said arc radii are from about 1 to 6 inches in length.
 7. Thecontainer of claim 5 wherein said first seam elements extend from saidintermediate portion of said spout.
 8. The container of claim 1 whereinsaid first wall sections adjacent said abutment form an angle of fromabout 15* to 45*.
 9. The container of claim 1 wherein said dimensionsand configurations thereof render said seal releasable in response tointernal pressure of a higher magnitude than the seal-forming distensionpressure of such contained fluid.
 10. The container of claim 9 whereinsaid dimensions and configuration thereof cause the location of saidabutment to proceed outwardly along said spout in response toprogressively increased levels of internal pressure above saiddistension pressure, to ultimately overcome the seal and to therebypermit fluid contents to discharge from said container.
 11. Thecontainer of claim 10 wherein said abutment location moves over adistance which is at least about half of the total length of said spout.12. The container of claim 9 wherein said dimensions and configurationthereof render said seal self-restoring upon diminution of the internalpressure below said higher magnitude thereof.
 13. The container of claim1 wherein said container additionally includes fluid contentstherewithin and is completely closed, to thereby provide an integralpackage.
 14. The container of claim 13 wherein said spout has a fusedclosure portion adjacent its outer end, said closure portion beingremovable to provide a discharge opening for said spout.
 15. A containerhaving congruant opposed walls of supple, imperforate material having atleast one bond uniting said walls and disposing them in face-to-facecontact when said container is empty, said opposed congruant wallsproviding integral walls of a body for containing fluids and of a spoutextending generally arcuately from said body, said spout being definedby laterally-spaced seams provided by said bond and including first,correspondingly curved seam elements defining substantially eccentricarcs which extend divergently, at least from about an intermediateportion of said spout, generally towards said body, said container beingdimensioned and configured to provide means for forming a releasableseal across said spout at said intermediate portion thereof, firstsections of said opposed walls between said first seam elements beingfree of interconnection and being adapted to readily become distended bycontained fluid, such distension causing said first wall sections toconverge into sealing abutment with one another, with the center linesof said first wall sections adjacent said abutment forming an angle ofless than about 60and with second sections of said opposed wallscoextending from said abutment, with the center lines thereof in generalalignment with the center line with one of said first wall sections andat an angle to the center line of the other of said first wall sections,whereby said spout can be sealed without auxiliary sealing means. 16.The container of claim 15 wherein said walls are comprised of syntheticresinous thermoplastic material.
 17. The container of claim 16 whereinsaid bond is a relatively narrow heat seal located substantially at theedge of said container.
 18. The container of claim 16 wherein each ofsaid walls comprises a laminate containing at least two distinctmaterials.
 19. The container of claim 18 wherein at least one of saidmaterials is selected from the group consisting of metal foils, paperand molecularly oriented plastics.
 20. The container of claim 15 whereinsaid body has, in a flat disposition, a generally rectilinear edgeextending thereacross at a location remote from said spout, said edgebeing of a length that is less than the width of said walls of said bodyat a location spaced a short distance therefrom, intermediate portionsof said body walls lying between Said edge and said location beingnarrower than said body walls at said location so that, when saidcontainer is placed in an upright position with said edge disposedthereunder on a support surface, the outer margins of said intermediatewall portions tend to fold inwardly of said body, in turn permitingdistension of said wall portions therebetween under the weight of fluidcontents, thereby providing an extended base area for supporting saidcontainer in a relatively stable, upright position.
 21. The container ofclaim 20 wherein said intermediate wall portions are defined bygenerally slanting seam portions extending outwardly from the ends ofsaid rectilinear edge.
 22. The container of claim 21 wherein the uppersections of said seam portions are convexly curved to avoid relativelysharp corners thereat, thereby enhancing the level of stability ofsupport for said container.
 23. The container of claim 15 wherein saidbody is of elongate configuration, and wherein said spout is locatedadjacent one end thereof.
 24. The container of claim 23 wherein saidbody is configured to provide means for supporting said container on anunderlying surface with the longitudinal axis of said body extendinggenerally horizontally, said spout being configured to extend in agenerally upward direction from said body with said container sosupported.
 25. The container of claim 24 additionally including aplural-phase liquid mixture contained therewithin.
 26. The container ofclaim 15 wherein said spout has a tapered channel leading to the outletorifice thereof, said channel being defined by a generally rectilinearseam element slanting from adjacent one edge of said spout toward theother edge thereof.